Are you a history or architecture buff with just 2 days to spare in the Loire Valley? Not to worry. We've designed optimized itineraries to discover the most beautiful châteaux and make the most of your getaway. Sublime gardens, refinement, art, ancient or Italian influences, get ready for a journey through the ages! In 2 days, we had time to be charmed by the story each castle tells, and by breathtaking panoramas.
In this article, you'll find advice on how to best plan your stay and our favorite tours. With plenty of photos to help you make your own choice.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Tips for a 2-day visit to the Loire Castles
Despite the short duration of your getaway, don't worry. You'll still be able to get a glimpse of the jewels of the Loire, a region world-famous for its châteaux, its terroir and its age-old wine culture! Our advice will help you make the most of your stay and your time on site.
Map of the most beautiful Châteaux in the Loire Valley
When to go?
The best times to visit the Châteaux de la Loire? Spring and autumn. The crowds are smaller than in summer. We loved the gardens in full bloom, the long days and the festivities at some of the castles. Fall can be so beautiful with the changing colors of the leaves! There are fewer crowds to appreciate the beauty and history of these iconic monuments.
In winter, only a few châteaux close their doors, but the larger ones remain open, as do most villages, towns and museums. Tours, Angers, Amboise, Saumur, Nantes, Blois and Orléans are also great places to visit in winter. You can choose to discover certain Châteaux de la Loire at the end of the year. Experience the magic of chateau life and the enchantment of Christmas at the Châteaux de Chambord and Chenonceau. See the program and book here i.
How to get there? Need a car?
To reach the Route des Châteaux de la Loire, a number of options are available:
- By train: several towns in the region are linked by train lines. Don't forget to book your tickets in advance, and find all the train stations in the Loire!
- By car: in our opinion, the most practical way to be free to move around and explore as many nooks and crannies as possible. If you don't have your own vehicle, you can rent a car in Tours, Angers, Nantes, Paris-Orly or Paris-CDG.
- Organized tours: to make life easier during your trip, and if you don't want to drive, choose organized excursions on the Loire Châteaux Route from Paris, Tours or Amboise, for example. see the 2-day tour
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Getting between castles: by car or by bike
Unfortunately, you won't have a choice. To visit the Châteaux de la Loire freely, you'll need a car or good legs to take advantage of the Loire bike trails. There are also a number of buses, mainly departing from Tours.
We've also put together a train tour (without a car), but the choice is inevitably more limited, as most of the castles were built 3 centuries before the development of the railroads!
Other tips to keep in mind
To help you organize your getaway, we recommend that you:
- Plan well in advance, as the Châteaux de la Loire are a popular destination. The surrounding area (hotels, restaurants, wine cellars, museums) can be overcrowded, especially during peak summer periods.
- Opt for a special ticket: we'll provide you with links whenever possible. Adopt these solutions and save precious time!
- Finding the right rhythm without over-densifying the program. In addition to the rich architecture and furnishings of the châteaux, you'll have a long way to go if you also explore the gardens. These buildings, especially the larger ones, take time. A word of advice: don't plan to see everything to avoid frustration. Ideal: 1 castle a day, 2 if they're small. The Loire also offers villages and towns with a rich heritage to explore. You'll have plenty to keep you busy!
A LITTLE MORE patience
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Where to stay in the Loire Valley for a weekend: in a château or in town?
Sleeping in a castle in the Loire Valley
Do you dream of living the life of a château for one night in the Loire Valley? Immerse yourself in unique historic buildings steeped in history for a timeless interlude! We've tried out some unusual places to sleep in a château in the Loire Valley, and we have some excellent memories!
Best places to stay in Loire
In our opinion, the best locations near many castles are..:
- Amboise, a charming little town near Chenonceau
see top-rated available accommodations
or see our selection of the best hotels - Saumur, a charming little town with troglodyte attractions
see top-rated available accommodations
or see our selection of the best hotels
But you'll also love Tours, Angers, Blois or Nantes!
If you want to get even closer to some of the castles, find out more:
- Best rated accommodations near Château de Chenonceau
- Best rated accommodations near Château de Chambord
- Best rated accommodations near Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
- the best rated accommodations near Forteresse Royale de Chinon
- Best rated accommodations near Château de Montrésor
More suggestions in our article on the best towns to stay in along the Loire and in our selection below:
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Our ideal itinerary: castles not to be missed
Day 1 - Morning: visit to the Château de Chenonceau, the most beautiful in the Loire Valley
In this itinerary, we've put together a tour focused on the region's iconic buildings! Start your day exploring the Château de Chenonceau, towering above the Cher river. Its medieval origins, but above all its Renaissance architecture, have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. We were fascinated by its rich collection of paintings and rare 16th-century Flanders tapestries. You'll see there's more! The estate, visited by almost 900,000 people every year, boasts sublime gardens, a wine cellar and many other places to discover. Book your ticket now!
Day 1 - Lunch: gourmet or Michelin-star lunch in Amboise
After a visit to the imposing Château de Chenonceau, it's a 20-minute drive to Amboise. To delight your taste buds with gastronomic delights, this charming Loire town boasts a fine range of restaurants. We have tested a few for you:
- Restaurant Les Arpents: refined local cuisine, awarded the Bib Gourmand with a fine selection of wines
- Restaurant La Breche: for a top-flight gourmet meal served in a warm, bourgeois setting
Day 1 - Afternoon: Option 1 - Château du Clos Lucé
After your meal in Amboise, why not take the opportunity to visit this historic city's emblematic châteaux? If you're interested in Leonardo da Vinci, the Italian painter, architect, scientist and engineer born in 1452, the Château du Clos Lucé is a must-see. Long the summer residence of the kings of France, the building was also the home of the Renaissance genius for 3 years, before he died in 1519. The château, its garden and grounds are a showcase for Leonardo da Vinci's work in architecture and painting. Don't wait to reserve your ticket!
Day 1 - Afternoon: option 2 - Château Royal d'Amboise
Our 2nd option also takes you in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, but this time to the Château Royal d'Amboise. The Italian genius was buried here on his death in 1519. After spending the last years of his life at the nearby Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci was buried in the grounds of the Château d'Amboise at the request of François1er, King of France. If the architecture of the place is remarkable, its interiors will take you on a captivating journey through time. The richness of the decoration reveals the craftsmanship of the Renaissance period: sculpted vaulted ceilings, monumental fireplaces and finely carved wooden furniture. Ready to push open the doors of this marvel?
Don't forget to reserve your ticket to avoid the wait!
Day 1 - Evening: the Châteaux of the Loire seen from above
To round off this 1st day full of sensory experiences and beautiful images, why not change perspective and get some height? Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon to admire the Châteaux of the Loire at sunset. You'll see that the colors of the sky will sublimate the beauty of these giants of the Loire Valley! Let yourself be tempted by this magical experience in the air!
Day 2 - Morning: visit to Château de Chambord
How can you go to the Loire without visiting the Château de Chambord? A must-have for your schedule! World-famous for its revolutionary architecture (double staircases, decorative fireplaces...), it is also the largest of the Loire Châteaux, built in the largest enclosed forest in France. Imagined by the young king François I as a symbol of power, this 16th-century edifice impressed us with its proportions. Did you know that this immense site was also home to other illustrious figures such as Louis XIV? Book your ticket now!
Day 2 - Lunch at Restaurant L'Orangerie in Cheverny
We're now heading for the Domaine de Cheverny, a 25-minute drive from Chambord. If you'd like to enjoy a light lunch before visiting the place that inspired the famous Château de Moulinsart in the Tintin comic strip, grab a bite to eat at Café de l'Orangerie. The decor is fun and the break is delicious! The site also offers picnic areas ideally placed along the canal.
Day 2 - Afternoon: visit to Château de Cheverny
Then immerse yourself in the friendly atmosphere of Château de Cheverny, one of the finest Châteaux in the Loire Valley. It's also an important stop on the wine route. Just a few kilometers from Blois, the estate offers a history full of surprises. We discovered that this elegant 17th-century edifice is also the fictional château of Moulinsart, making the visit a veritable immersion in the famous Tintin comic strip. We were charmed by the beautiful park and the 6 superb gardens. Like us, you're sure to be won over by the magnificence of the Cheverny estate! Read our dedicated article
Alternative 1 - Thematic tour: gardens and castles
Day 1 - Morning: Visit the Château de Villandry and its gardens
The Château de Villandry is a must-see for all garden enthusiasts! In our opinion, the magic of Villandry is the balance between inside and outside. The architecture of the gardens matches that of the château, so that wherever you are, the view is exceptional! It's also worth a detour for its uncluttered appearance, which makes it unique in the region. As the last Renaissance château in the Loire Valley, history buffs will be delighted to see how it has evolved over the ages, and to discover the unusual decoration of some of its rooms. As you may have guessed, this marvel is home to one of the finest gardens on the Loire.
Day 1 - Lunch at the Château de Villandry restaurant
Time for a gourmet break! Château de Villandry has a charming table at the entrance, Restaurant La Doulce Terrasse, which pleasantly surprised us. Enjoy seasonal cuisine based on regional produce. We tried a "tartine du potager", generous and tasty, with a gourmet coffee.
A picnic area 100m from the château entrance (behind the Villandry Tourist Office) is at your disposal. As the ticket is valid all day, you can choose to have lunch outside and then come back.
Day 1 - Afternoon: Château d'Azay-Le-Rideau
Just 15 minutes from Villandry, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is one of our favorite Loire castles, with its poetic, romantic atmosphere. Modest in size, grandiose in decoration, surrounded by a moat still filled with water and a beautiful English-style park, it's one of the jewels of the region. Did you know that this majestic building has inspired many artists (writer Honoré de Blazac, sculptor Auguste Rodin...)? We spontaneously thought of Lamartine's verse when we discovered the château. Its English-style park features 2 water mirrors and exotic trees (sequoia, cedar, ginkgo, bald cypress, etc.), planted since 1850. Don't forget to reserve your ticket!
Day 2 - Morning: Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
Let's continue this romantic and bucolic tour at the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire for this 2nd day. This is definitely an area worth exploring. We fell in love! This 15th-century château, also known as Château de Chaumont, will captivate you with its prestige. You'll travel back in time to meet France's nobility and famous intellectuals. The historic park, but above all the perennial and temporary gardens, transported us into a world of daring and artistic innovation. Don't miss this jewel of the Loire, where you can also spend the night to extend the experience.
Book your ticket!
Day 2 - Noon: lunch in the area
Good places to eat in Chaumont are available in the surrounding area. If you want to continue your day at the estate, there are several food and beverage outlets:
- Café des Savoirs et des Saveurs: gourmet break, hot or cold drinks and sweet or savoury snacks in the middle of books
- Restaurant Comptoir des Tilleuls: cuisine that revisits local products through an eco-responsible approach
- Restaurant Grand Chaume in theHôtel Au Bois des Chambres: original gourmet flavours in an atypical setting
Day 2 - Afternoon: Château de Chenonceau and its lush gardens
Round off this themed tour with a stroll through the Château de Chenonceau and its Renaissance gardens. Based on the Italian model, you'll notice a fountain in the center of the Jardin Diane de Poitiers. Back then, these splendid green carpets were a harmonious blend of flowers, vegetables and fruit trees.
Today, this 12,000-hectare garden is divided into 2 perpendicular and 2 diagonal paths, forming 8 triangles of lawn decorated with plant scrolls. This composition is the work of 19th-century landscape architect Achille Duchêne. In spring and autumn, you'll see a wide variety of flowers, but it's in summer that a hundred hibiscus on stalks come into bloom. Admire the magnificent view of the castle's east facade from this garden! Book your ticket now!
Alternative 2 - Châteaux de la Loire with your family
Day 1 - Morning: fairytale epic at Château d'Ussé
Do you know the castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty? We're talking about the Château d'Ussé, which conjures up the imaginary world of fairy tales! We were fascinated by its multi-faceted architecture. The fruit of 3 centuries of construction (XV-XVIIIth), the blends medieval and Gothic inspiration with Renaissance style. The result is an exciting patchwork of stones to decipher! You won't be able to resist the gardens designed by Le Nôtre, gardener to the Sun King Louis XIV, who also designed the gardens at Versailles. We were seduced by the harmony of the landscape's geometry. It's an ideal place for children to discover castle life through reconstructions.
Day 1 - Lunch in Chinon
Head to Chinon for a gourmet family break before your next visit! You'll find plenty of places to eat and drink, for example:
- Café-restaurant Le Lysandre: inside the fortress, facing the Tour de l'Horloge, ideal for a gourmet break on the terrace or in the garden, in the shade of the hazelnut trees.
- Restaurant La Cave des Silènes: on the outskirts of the estate, opposite the Forteresse parking lot, this wine cellar offers a selection of Chinon wines, as well as a snack bar.
Day 1 - Afternoon: exploring the Royal Fortress of Chinon
Plunge into the heart of French history at the Royal Fortress of Chinon! It's one of the few medieval fortified castles in the Loire Valley. This is one of the most beautiful fortresses to visit in the Loire Valley, especially with children! Nestling on the banks of the Vienne river, this fortress, one of the most important historic monuments of the Middle Ages in France, offered us a captivating journey through time. The site is very well designed for young and old alike. You can observe scenes with the augmented reality tablet, solve riddles, or follow the character Bertille as she takes you on a tour of the premises. Discover the emblematic figures who have left their mark on history, and admire the surrounding landscape of the UNESCO-listed fortress.
Book your tickets
Day 2 - Morning: immersion in the Fortress of Montbazon
For this 2nd day, immerse yourself and your family in the exciting life of the Middle Ages by bringing to life the history and archaeology of the Montbazon Fortress site. Put yourself in the shoes of an onlooker of the time and wander among the costumed figurants, discovering their trades in an authentic medieval setting. You'll be as captivated as we are by the beauty of the keep, which dominates the surrounding area with its noble stature. This is one of the best activities to experience on the Châteaux de la Loire circuit!
Day 2 - Lunch at Montbazon
Nestled in the heart of the fortress site, Restaurant La Taverne welcomes you for a feast! Open all day, this traditional restaurant will enliven your taste buds with fresh local produce and its Loire wine list. In the village of Montbzon, you'll also find something for the whole family.
Day 2 - Afternoon: visit to Château du Rivau
Next step with your little ones: an enchanted interlude at Château du Rivau! For us, it was an unforgettable experience. This feudal castle of modest dimensions is set in a remarkable agricultural and botanical setting. Its current owners bring together the best of contemporary design with Renaissance elements in the château's logis and nature in the 15 remarkable gardens. The dreamlike world of fairytale gardens can be a source of motivation and interest. And contrary to popular belief, children are often very receptive to contemporary art. To make your visit even more enjoyable, the château's staff offer a range of activities for children all year round, including treasure hunts and game books for different age groups. Let's get ready for a fun-filled afternoon!
Alternative 3 - the Loire by train
Visiting the Châteaux de la Loire by train is ambitious, because it's not the easiest way. However, we have devised 3 possible days to discover these must-see places in the region. Let yourself be tempted and choose the 2 days that most inspire you from these 3 tours.
Option A - 1-day train trip to Château de Chambord and Blois
For this day's visit to the Châteaux de la Loire by train from Paris or Tours, opt for..:
- Arrival at Blois railway station
- Shuttle bus to Château de Chambord (average duration: 35min)
- Length of visit: 2h30 to 3h (estate, château and wine house)
- Return by bus to Blois and visit the must-see sites if you have time.
Book your Chambord ticket now!
Option B - 1-day train trip to Château de Chenonceau and Tours
Would you like to spend a day at the most beautiful château in the Loire Valley? By train from Tours, you can visit the Château de Chenonceau by following these directions:
- Arrival at Chenonceaux railway station (5-minute walk from the château)
- Full morning at Château de Chenonceau, its gardens and Cave des Dômes
- Back to Tours, where gastronomy, heritage and nature merge happily.
- Touring Tours in the afternoon - our tips on the best things to do here
Book your guided tour ticket for the Château de Chenonceau now!
Option C - 1 day by train to Amboise, its Royal Château or Clos Lucé
A 1-day train ride from Tours to the heart of the beautiful town of Amboise is the promise of seeing up to 2 castles in 1 day. If you want to visit the 2 castles in the same day, it's possible by doing 1 in the morning and the other in the afternoon, but be aware that it will be dense. Instead, we suggest a reasonable program:
1 day with:
- Arrival at Amboise railway station
- Morning at Château du Clos-Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's last home
- Lunch and stroll in Amboise
Book your ticket for the Château du Clos Lucé now!
1 day with:
- Arrival at Amboise railway station
- Visit the Château Royal d'Amboise, a jewel of the Renaissance period and burial place of Leonardo da Vinci
- Lunch and stroll in Amboise
Book your guided tour ticket for the Château Royal d'Amboise now!
Need more advice? Read our article on how to choose between the Châteaux of Chenonceau or Chambord if you're still hesitating! We've also put together some unusual weekend itineraries in the Loire to give you a unique experience in this sublime region.
If you're a wine enthusiast or simply curious, include a wine tasting on your itinerary, with visits to cellars and vineyards - see our article here.
Finally, find out more about our favorite itineraries for visiting the Châteaux de la Loire in 3 days, 4 days, 5 days or 7 days.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
